An Experimental Study on Corex (Steel) Slag Reinforced with Terrazyme Treated Clay for Improvement of Soft Soil

Abstract

Stability and settlement problems are common for foundations constructed on soft soils. In major parts of the world, ground improvement techniques have been used to mitigate these challenges. This research aims to stabilize the soft soils using corex steel slag blended with terrazyme treated clay. The corex steel slag is an industrial waste formed during the extraction of steel from ores through the corex process. The corex slag of sand size in the form of columns have been used to improve the load-carrying capacity of the soft soils and to control the settlement. To increase the stiffness of the corex slag columns, the terrazyme treated clay was mixed with the corex slag. The terrazyme is an eco-friendly and sustainable organic liquid and it is fully soluble in water. To prepare the terrazyme-processed clay gel 0 to 3 % of terrazyme dissolved in water was used. Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) for terrazyme treated clay were determined through the compaction tests. Appropriate proportions of corex slag and terrazyme treated clay with a suitable curing period were obtained from unconfined compression tests. A series of laboratory model plate load tests for 3 foundation shapes were performed on soft soil, stabilized with a blend of corex slag and terrazyme treated clay. Improvement in the MDD with a reduction in OMC was noticed when terrazyme was added to soft soil. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) value for corex slag increased with an increase in the content of terrazyme treated clay. Model plate load tests showed significant improvement in the load-carrying capacity of soft soil.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 Stability and settlements are the major problems for foundation constructed on soft soil
 Corex (Steel) slag blended with terrazyme treated clay is utilized to stabilize the soft soil
 The specimens prepared with corex steel slag and terrazyme treated clay demonstrate remarkable improvement in UCS value at 21 to 28 days of curing
 The soft soil stabilize with specimens in group reveled remarkable improvement in load-carrying capacity of soft soil
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT